Clean Your Gutters to Maintain Your Property
Your home’s guttering directs water away from the siding and foundation, but cannot do its job when clogged with leaves and debris. Gutter maintenance prevents water from damaging your property. Water will flow away from the foundation and won’t pool close to your home when you clean your gutters.
1. You’ll Need a Ladder to Clean Your Gutters
To get started, find a ladder to help you to reach your gutters. If you have a one-story home, a step ladder might work. If your home is two or more stories, you will need an extension ladder to access your upper levels.
2. Have All of Your Supplies Ready
Before cleaning your gutters, gather your supplies. You will need gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes from the debris, dirt, and stagnant water that may be trapped in your guttering.
You can use a scoop to remove debris and deposit it in a bucket designated for this purpose. Carry the garden hose over to the area where you will be working. You may want a scrub brush to clean mold and mildew from the sides of the gutters.
3. Scoop Debris
Use a plastic scoop or your gloved hands to scrape debris from your gutters. Make sure water can flow freely through all sections of the gutter.
4. Clean Your Gutters with Your Garden Hose
Once the debris is removed, rinse the gutters out with a hose to make sure there are no clogs. Spray the guttering and downspouts with the hose and use a scrub brush to remove mold, mildew, and dirt.
Your guttering will look like new and will properly direct water from your roof away from your siding and foundation. When you clean your gutters, you are helping to maintain your roof and the structure of your house.
Jamie Schaefer Professional Home Inspector offers home inspections in the New York Metropolitan Area. Contact us to schedule our services.